Summer School in Berlin

Elizabeth: 2 weeks in July

I expected comfortable accommodation, that the other students would be from a range of countries and aged between 16-20 yrs of age and that the classes wouldn’t be too large and the teachers would be experienced. Overall I felt that these expectations were met and the course was a success.

I found that the German lessons in the Berlin school very good and although I wasn’t sure at first, actually having lessons in the afternoon made the week more relaxing than courses I have previously attended. We were provided with a good textbook and the teacher made the classes interesting, however the lessons of one of the teachers didn’t work so well for me, but overall definitely a good German language course.

The German language school facilities were excellent.  The school was modern and light with ample space outside to relax with friends between classes. The staff were all very approachable and provided us with a good range of activities and excursions. The location was fantastic, right next to the tram stop for the city centre and there were many things going on in the local neighbourhood as well.

For me, being able to explore Berlin and meet such a range of people whilst improving my German made the language course, in fact the whole experience so worthwhile.

Main plus points for me:

The travel arrangements were very good and the wide range of excursions allowing us to discover Berlin.

The number of German lessons per day were ideal, enabling us to learn enough whilst still being able to relax and enjoy the trip, after all it was in our summer holidays!

Also I really like Berlin as a city. The night life was great and in general not too overpriced. I felt very safe in the city, definitely more so than home in London.  There is much to do during the day and excursions were also available to the majority of tourist sites. Some locals were willing to converse in German but others assumed we were tourists, not students trying to learn the German language.

Accommodation:  I stayed in the Hostel, a few blocks from the college.  For me the location was great, next to the V Baha and easy distance to college (on foot) and the city centre (by public transport).

The assistance and information from CESA Languages was excellent and the website was very clear to use and very helpful.

I would definitely go again but only to a large city, like Berlin, where I knew many things would be going on, aside from the school excursions.  I like city life and feel a smaller location could bore me after a week or two.